Lectio Divina is a way in which to read Scripture "that will draw us into deeper communion with God," said Abbot Gregory Polan to those gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Oct. 27.

Abbot Gregory, a Benedictine monk of Conception Abbey in Missouri, was invited to speak at the cathedral as part of the Diocese of Dodge City’s annual "Scripture Day" presentation. Presenting the same program in Spanish was Father Joseph William Tobin, C.Ss.R.

Before the more than 120 participants took part in a Lectio Divina contemplative Scripture reading, Abbot Gregory discussed how to use the method.

He said that one must find a Scripture reading that is "comfortable for you," a part of the Bible he said, where "you are enriched in your spiritual reading, such as Genesis, Psalms, the Book of Prophets or the Gospels." Then, he said, one should set aside 20 to 30 minutes that can be devoted to quiet, prayerful reading.

"Lectio Divina is not a study," he said. "It is a slow, contemplative reading of the text. We have to learn to listen with the ears of our heart. When we listen with our heart, we listen with a rare openness."

Abbot Gregory described four steps taken during Lectio Divina:

• Lectio (reading): "The reading and careful listening to God’s word."

• Meditatio (meditation): "Our reflection on God’s word."

• Oratio (prayer): "The lifting up of prayer to God in response to the word we have heard."

• Contemplatio (contemplation): "Entering into the deep silence where the divine presence is encountered in a most transforming and formidable way."

For many people, one of the challenges to Lectio Divina is "carving out time each day for the prayerful reflection of God’s word."

So many voices come to us each day, Abbot Gregory said. "It’s impossible to listen to all of them with equal intensity. We must listen to the word of God with intensity and peace. … Silence is where Lectio Divina most often happens. Entering into that silence can be challenging. …The early monks went out to the desert because it was quiet."

By listening with more attentive ears – by listening with the heart – "what we’ve heard many times will explode before us. … The word of God can become a creative force in our lives, directing our actions, our speech, our attitudes, our relationships, our work with one another …."

Abbot Gregory challenged those gathered to ask themselves what the word of God means to them.

"What are the challenges that keep me from listening to the word of God in a quiet, prayerful and reflective way? What would I need to do to carve out time each day for prayerful reflection on the word of God?"

He said it is through this quiet, contemplative Scripture reading that the "proclaimed word" becomes a "living word."